Flint teachers sue district

MEA President Iris K. Salters rallies the crowd at the Flint Education Association membership meeting on Monday.

At Monday’s general membership meeting, Flint teachers took their fight for a new contract from the bargaining table to the courts.

They filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to stop the school board from taking away their MESSA insurance and imposing another plan, Health Plus.

The teachers already filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge last month. No hearing date has been set with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC).

If the teachers are successful, the lawsuit will stop the school board from implementing the new health plan before MERC rules on the ULP. The lawsuit will be heard on Oct. 26.

“We intend to seek a fair agreement with the school board. Until we can get back to the bargaining table, we have to protect our rights. That’s why we’ve been forced to take legal action,” said Michele Stinson, United Teachers of Flint president.

The ULP charge accuses the district of imposing Health Plus, even though by law, they’re forbidden to do so once a fact-finding petition has been filed. The school board has notified teachers that the new plan goes into effect Nov. 1.

“The school district hasn’t responded to any of our requests for details of the plan.  Members have no idea of the coverage or the cost,” said Stinson.

And it was clear at the membership meeting that the lack of details has members worried.

“I’m scared out of my mind. I have a son who needs special medical treatment. Will this new plan provide for that? There would be no question if we still have MESSA,” asked Flint English teacher, Kelli Williams.

While there still isn’t a specific answer to her question, Flint teachers aren’t sitting idly by waiting for an answer from the school board. They will continue attending board meetings, picketing the board office and keeping members informed.

It was MEA President Iris Salters who gave the members at the meeting this rallying call, “This situation is going to be moved. You’ve got to be strong. We will make a difference with our collective action.”

Updated: October 6, 2009